Degree Name

Document Type and Release Option

Department

Committee Chair

Walter Polka

Committee Member 1

Walter Polka

Committee Member 2

Meta Harris

Committee Member 3

Ming Fang He

Committee Member 4

Erik Brooks

Abstract

The primary focus of this study is to explore the perceptions of elementary principals and PTA parent representatives about the effects of parental involvement on student achievement in three Georgia Title I schools. This particular study evolved from firsthand experiences while working with less fortunate students in a Title I school setting. The affective factors include but are not limited to the perceptions of the elementary principals and parent representatives. Based upon findings in the review of literature, the researcher gained an understanding about how to structure interview questions in order to prompt in-depth responses from the interviewees. Data collection methods included a school portraiture and interview questions. The interviews were tape recorded, transcribed, and categorized in order to compare and contrast the responses of the different principals' and parent representatives' perceptions.